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29.03.2009: Infectious diseases in the Amazon region[1]
Many of the tropical diseases of the region undergo epidemiologic changes in face of a growing population, environmental, and climate changes, and the incidence of some novel diseases increase. Important diseases are:
Flagellates
Malaria: Is caused by Plasmodium spp is the most important endemic disease in the region. It is naturally transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles. Urbanisation contributes to malaria transmission in peripheral areas of Amazonian cities.
Tegumentary leishmaniasis: Is a high-incidence disease in the region. Multiple animal species serve as reservoirs for Leishmania spp. in the rainforest, as do the disease's primary vectors, insects of the genus Lutzomya.
Chagas disease Trypanosoma cruzi: Reservoir include armadillos, dogs, cats and rodents. Chagas' disease is mainly a disease of children. It is characterized by svollen lymph nodes , fever and anemia. Cases may be acute and quickly fatal or milder and chronic.
Leishmaniasis: In Bolivia, most cases of leishmaniasis are caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. The parasite is transmitted zoonotically by several sandfly species and, when transmitted to humans, may cause cutaneous leishmaniasis, and potentially, mucosal leishmaniasis.
Viruses
Arboviruses:
Oropouche virus: which is a tropical viral infection, a zoonosis similar to dengue fever, transmitted by biting midge (species Culicoides paraensis) and mosquitoes from the blood of sloths to humans. It occurs mainly in the Amazonic region, the Caribbean and Panama.
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus: It is a mosquito-borne viral pathogen that causes Venezuelan equine encephalitis or encephalomyelitis (VEE) can affect all equine species, such as horses, donkeys, and zebras. After infection, equines may suddenly die or show progressive central nervous system disorders. Humans also can contract this disease. Healthy adults who become infected by the virus may experience flu-like symptoms, such as high fevers and headaches. People with weakened immune systems and the young and the elderly can become severely ill or die from this disease. When the U.S. biological warfare program ended in 1969 VEE virus was one of seven standardized biological weapons it had developed.
Yellow fever: Is also endemic; nonhuman primates are the principal reservoirs of the disease during its sylvatic cycle. Vaccination is an essential means of protection against yellow fever for both the local population and visitors. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Amazonian urban centers pose an ever-present risk for yellow fever transmission and are also responsible for the high incidence of dengue.
Viral hepatitis: Is an acute liver disease with varying severity caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), contamination by fecal matter and ingestion of contaminated food or drinks.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV): Contamination by contact with infectious blood, semen, and other body fluids from having sex with an infected person, sharing contaminated needles to inject drugs, or from an infected mother to her newborn.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV): Contamination by contact with the blood of an infected person, primarily through sharing contaminated needles to inject drugs.
Hepatitis D (HDV) virus: ontamination by contact with infectious blood, similar to how HBV is spread.
Hepatitis E virus (HEV): Contamination by ingestion of fecal matter, even in microscopic amounts; outbreaks are usually associated with contaminated water supply in countries with poor sanitation.
Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus ( HHV-8) is the eighth human herpesvirus. It causes Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer commonly occurring in AIDS patients, as well as primary effusion lymphoma and some types of multicentric Castleman's disease.
Bacterial and micotic infection
Leprosy: Bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium Leprae. The lepromatous form of the disease is characterised by large, firm nodules in the skin of the face, hands and other exposed parts. These nodules are called lepromas contain high number of bacilli. The tuberculoid type of infections develop around peripheral nerves, leading to atrophy of the tissue, loss of sensation from sensory nerve, mutilations are therefore often not noted. Bacteria may leave or enter via the nares.
Suspected Brazilian purpuric fever: It is a Haemophilus aegyptius-caused febrile hemorrhagic illness of children that begins with conjunctivitis and has a case-fatality rate of 40%-90%.
Bartonella: Bartonella (formerly known as Rochalimaea) is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria. Facultative intracellular parasites, Bartonella species can infect healthy people but are considered especially important as opportunistic pathogens. Bartonella are transmitted by insect vectors such as ticks, fleas, sand flies and mosquitoes. At least eight Bartonella species or subspecies are known to infect humans. Bartonella bacilliformis is found in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia and causes the Carrion's disease (Oroya fever, Verruga peruana)
Mycoses
Jorge Lobo disease: It is caused by Blastomyces loboi, are also characteristic of the region.
Adiaspiromycosis: It isa respiratory disease of humans and many animal species caused by the fungus Chrysosporium spp. and characterized by large, thick-walled spherules (adiaspores).
Intestinal parasites
Intestinal parasites high frequency of intestinal parasites are linked to contaminated food and water.
[1] Tauil, Pedro Luiz: The Status of Infectious Disease in the Amazon Region, CDC - Emerging Infectious Diseases. Volume 15, Number 4–April 2009
http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/15/4/625.htm
28.03.2009:Salt reduction- Lower Sodium Intake Recommendations to Adults
USA [1]
According to the CDC actually about 70 percent of American adults fall into categories (African Americans, people over 40, and people with existing hypertension) of people who should consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. But to achieve recommended intakes, even most of the remaining 30 percent of adults should cut back, too.
CDC says that the average sodium consumption for people aged 2 and over is about 3,400 mg per day. Recommended are a maximum of 2,300 mg daily for people who aren't in the categories above. The Center for Science in the Public Interest notes that the 3,400-mg figure comes from a national survey that does not include salt added at the table or during home cooking and does not correct for the participants' underreporting of foods eaten. Actual average consumption is probably closer to 4,000 mg. [2]
UK [3]
The Food Standards Agency has set a target of reducing the average salt consumption of adults to 6g a day by 2010. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) also set lower recommended maximum levels of salt intake for babies and children for the first time.
European Food Safety Authority [4]
Mean daily sodium intakes of populations in Europe range from about 3-5 g (about 8-11g salt) and are well in excess of dietary needs (about 1.5 g sodium/day in adults). The main source of sodium in the diet is from processed foods (about 70-75% of the total intake), with about 10-15% from naturally occurring sodium in unprocessed foods and about 10-15% from discretionary sodium added during cooking and at the table.
Claims [5]
Low Sodium/Salt
A claim that a food is low in sodium/salt, and any claim likely to have the same meaning for the consumer, may only be made where the product contains no more than 0,12 g of sodium, or the equivalent value for salt, per 100 g or per 100 ml. For waters, other than natural mineral waters falling within the scope of Directive 80/777/EEC, this value should not exceed 2 mg of sodium per 100 ml.
Very Low Sodium/Salt
A claim that a food is very low in sodium/salt, and any claim likely to have the same meaning for the consumer, may only be made where the product contains no more than 0,04 g of sodium, or the equivalent value for salt, per 100 g or per 100 ml. This claim shall not be used for natural mineral waters and other waters.
Sodium-Free or Salt-Free
A claim that a food is sodium-free or salt-free, and any claim likely to have the same meaning for the consumer, may only be made where the product contains no more than 0,005 g of sodium, or the equivalent value for salt, per 100 g.
[1] CDC: Application of Lower Sodium Intake Recommendations to Adults --- United States, 1999—2006. MMWR March 27, 2009 / 58(11);281-283
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5811a2.htm
[2] Center for Science in the Public Interest: Salt
http://www.cspinet.org/salt/index.html
[3] Food Standards Agency: Science on salt
http://www.salt.gov.uk/science_on_salt.html
[4] European Food Safety Authority: Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Dietetic products, nutrition and allergies [NDA] related to the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of Sodium. Question number: EFSA-Q-2003-018. 21 April 2005.
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1178620767128.htm
[5] Corrigendum to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods ( OJ L 404, 30.12.2006 )
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R1924R(01):EN:HTML
27.03.2009: Sugar-sweetened beverages increase coronary heart disease in women [1]
Teresa Fung and colleagues 2009 wrote that studies linked full-calorie sugar-sweetened beverages with greater weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The authors found in a recent study that women drinking two or more servings of sweetened beverages per day may increase their risk of heart disease by 35 per cent.
Data from 88,520 women aged between 34 and 59 participating in the Nurses' Health Study were evaluated. In this study the authors note that artificially sweetened beverages did not increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
Fructose increasing coronary heart disease: According to Dr. Fung fructose increases triacylglycerol synthesis in the liver which, in elevated concentrations, increases coronary heart disease risk. Fructose also increases blood uric acid concentrations which reduces endothelial nitric oxide being a link between soft drink consumption and risk of coronary heart disease.
[1] Fung, Teresa T.; Malik, Vasanti; Rexrode, Kathryn M.; Manson, JoAnn E.; Willett, Walter C. Hu, Frank B.: Sweetened beverage consumption and risk of coronary heart disease in women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. April 2009, Volume 89, Pages 1037-1042, doi:10.3945/ajcn.2008.27140
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/89/4/1037
27.03.2009: Faked scientific papers put in doubt the reliability of scientific studies and scientific journals[1]
Dr. Scott Reuben is accused of having published in the journal Anesthesia & Analgesia at least 21 faked research papers to promote drugs for which he received research grants from. Reuben practiced at Baystate Medical Center from where he published his articles since 1996.
Reuben published articles concerning pain drugs, which are suspected to slow postoperative healing. The journal Anesthesia & Analgesia published some of Reuben's fraudulent papers concerning the drugs COX2 inhibitors, Pfizer's Celebrex (celecoxib), the drug Lyrica and Merck's Vioxx (rofecoxib), claiming to reduced post-surgical pain and dependence on steroids and addictive drugs like morphine. Reuben played down animal studies showing that the drugs might hinder bone healing after surgery and might cause heart attack.
Reuben is also being accused of having forged the signature of Dr. Evan Ekman, orthopedic surgeon at Southern Orthopaedic Sports Medicine in Columbia, S.C on submission papers for the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. Reuben gained his medical degree at the State University of New York.
The Baystate hospital did not sure that research done there is properly conducted and reported. There was no control from Pfizer on the veracity of studies concerning their products, and the Journals publishing faked studies from Reuben put in doubt the reliability of scientific studies and scientific journals.
The fraud of Reuben has some well known predecessors:
The South Korean stem cell data scandal 2005 [2]
Two publications of the team led by South Korean scientist Hwang Woo-Suk were based on faked data. The papers on embryonic stem cells described the cloned dog Snuppy (Seoul National University puppy). Hwang claimed in 2005 to have created cloned embryos from patient-specific embryonic stem cells. Although the study was later exposed as containing fake data, Hwang continues to insist that his technology is legitimate. [3]
The articles of Kim in Science in 2006 and Nature Chemical Biology in 2006 [4]
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) suspended the bioscience professor Kim Tae-kook for the fabrication of data in two papers, published in Science in July 2005 and Nature Chemical Biology in July 2006 [5], according to the Korea Times.
Investigation of the contents of the paper by Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has revealed that several cited experiments were not made, some artefacts were fabricated and original notebooks and data are not available to substantiate the scientific claims of the paper. The journal declared that it lost confidence in the scientific validity of this Letter and are retracted it in full. [6]
The case of Prof. Friedhelm Herrmann [7]
German professor Friedhelm Herrmann, leading cancer research specialist at the universities of Mainz, Freiburg and Ulm and the Max-Delbrück institute for molecular medicine in Berlin, faked about 80 papers. These papers were published in respected US and European journals. Many of them were withdrawn but their impact on medical research is unknown. Professor Ulf Rapp who analysed the fraud said that the group around Herrmann developed an aversion to using genuine data.
The guardian states that faking scientific research is not a criminal offence under German law.
[1] Scientific American: A Medical Madoff: Anesthesiologist Faked Data in 21 Studies. 11.03.2009.
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=a-medical-madoff-anesthestesiologist-faked-data
[2] ABC News: Probe proves stem cell research faked. Jan 10, 2006.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2006/01/10/1544890.htm
[3] BBC: Profile: Hwang Woo-suk. 12.05.2006
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4554704.stm
[4] Couzin, Jennifer; Normile, Dennis: Scientific misconduct: Two Papers From Korean Lab Found to Lack Scientific Truth Science 14 March 2008: Vol. 319. no. 5869, pp. 1468 - 1469 DOI: 10.1126/science.319.5869.1468
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/319/5869/1468?ck=nck
[5] Won, Jaejoon; Kim, Mina; Kim, Nuri; Ahn, Jin Hee; Lee, Woo Gil; Kim, Sung Soo; Chang, Ki-Young; Yi, Yong-Weon; Kim, Tae Kook: Small molecule–based reversible reprogramming of cellular lifespan. Nature Chemical Biology 2, 369 - 374 (2006)
Published online: 11 June 2006 | Corrected online: 1 October 0613 doi:10.1038/nchembio800
http://www.nature.com/nchembio/journal/v2/n7/abs/nchembio800.html
[6] Won, Jaejoon; Kim, Mina; Yi, Yong-Weon; Kim, Young Ho; Jung, Neoncheol; Kim, Tae Kook: Magnetic nanoparticles coupled to small-molecule probes are taken up by living cells and can be used to detect target proteins and activation of signaling pathways. Science 1 July 2005: Vol. 309. no. 5731, pp. 121 - 125 DOI:10.1126/science.1112869
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5731/121
[7] Guardian.co.uk: German scientist 'faked cancer research'. 8.11.1999
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/1999/nov/08/2
26.03.2009: Serious lack of HACCP and quality control menaces veracity of forensic DNA evidences [1]
Contaminated cotton swabs had been used by the German police collecting evidences at crime scenes. The same DNA profile was found in 40 criminal cases.
The German newsmagazine Stern reported that the cotton swabs were probably contaminated, speculating that it could have been by a careless employee at the manufacturer.
16.000 hours of meticulous research had been spent tracking the “ Phantom of Heilbronn” whose DNA was first noted during the researches concerning the killing attempt of two policeman at Heilbronn city 15 years ago. This profile was then found all over the country, with the exception of one State which used swabs of a different swab producer.
HACCP and quality control systems failed to avoid bad quality of the swabs, questioning the veracity of all forensic DNA evidences. This case reveals serious loopholes over all HACCP and quality control systems.
Bernd Carstensen of the German Union of Criminal Investigators (BDK) calls for a DNA quality seal which includes data about the DNA of the employees who handled the products in the packaging. Contamination could be ruled out.
[1] Spiegel Online Police Fear 'Serial Killer' Was Just DNA Contamination. 26.03.2009
http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,druck-615608,00.html
22.03.2009: Acetaldehyde in alcohol beverages and other foods increases cancer risk [1]
Lachenmeier, Kanteres and Rehm, 2009 point out that acetaldehyde, occurs naturally in in alcoholic beverages and is the main cause of “hangover”. It is also produced by the body while metabolising alcohol. There are limited evidences that acetaldehyde is an independent risk factor for cancer during alcohol consumption.
The authors identified alcohol consumption as a direct source of acetaldehyde exposure. Together with other sources such as food flavourings, tobacco and air pollution must be reduced to reduce cancer risc. The authors recommend to re-classify acetaldehyde with respect to cancer, risks assessments should consider all sources of expousure to acetaldehyde reduce the acetaldehyde content in alcoholic beverages as low as technologically possible, and to restrict its use as a food flavour additive.
Carcinogenicity of acetaldehyde [2]
Acetaldehyde was classified as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on the carcinogenicity in animals.
There is inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity of acetaldehyde in humans. However, three case control studies found cancers following heavy alcohol intake, demonstrating an increased risk of these cancer in individuals with genetic polymorphisms in enzymes involved in the metabolism of acetaldehyde; these polymorphisms were associated with higher blood concentration of acetaldehyde following alcohol intake [3] [4] [5].
The main source of human exposure to acetaldehyde is through the metabolism of alcohol. Other sources include food and other lesser extent, the air (IPCS 1995). Principal human exposure occurs with inhalation of ambient air from urban areas.
Other sources of acetaldehyde are cheese, heated milk, cooked beef, cooked chicken, and rum. It is a synthetic flavoring ingredient in processed foods, especially margarine.
Acetaldehyde has been detected in emissions from power plants that burn fossil fuels, wood, or trash. Acetaldehyde also occurs in gasoline exhaust (1.4 to 8.8 mg/m3) and diesel exhaust (0.05 to 6.4
mg/m3) (IARC 1985).
[1] Lachenmeier, D.W., Kanteres, F., Rehm, J. Carcinogenicity of acetaldehyde in alcoholic beverages: risk assessment outside ethanol metabolism. Addiction, 2009; 104 (4): 533 DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02516.x
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122265507/abstract
[2] 11th Report on Carcinogens.
http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/eleventh/profiles/s001acet.pdf
[3] IARC. 1985. Allyl Compounds, Aldehydes, Epoxides, and Peroxides. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans, vol. 36. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. 369 pp.
http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/244625
[4] IARC Supplement No. 7
Overall Evaluations of Carcinogenicity: An Updating of IARC Monographs Volumes 1 to 42 1987; 440 pages ISBN 92 832 1411 0
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/suppl7/index.php
[5] IARC Volume 71 Re-evaluation of Some Organic Chemicals, Hydrazine and Hydrogen Peroxide. 1999; 1589 pages; ISBN 92 832 1271 1
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol71/index.php
21.03.2009: Endomorphins control the pathway of drug and alcohol addiction[1]
Dzung Anh Le and colleagues 2009 found that alcohol releases endogenous opioid peptides such as endorphins, enkephalins and dynorphins in the midbrain/Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) region . Low to moderate levels of alcohol alter beta-endorphin release in the VTA region, producing the pleasant effects that likely reinforce alcohol consumption.
The euphoric or rewarding effects of alcohol is triggered by the stimulation of the natural opioid peptides in the VTA pathway, which consequently activates dopamin involved in drug and alcohol addiction. Alcohol does not release other families of endogenous opioid peptides such as enkephalins and dynorphins.
Like morphine, endogenous opioid peptides can induce analgesia and a mild euphoric effect, reduce anxiety, and may lead to a general feeling of well being.
Naltrexone [2] is currently used as treatment of alcoholism blocking opioids not specifically. The authors, however, suggest to target specifically the endorphins in the VTA beta-endorphin pathway in treatment of alcohol abuse and craving.
Le and colleagues stress that low to moderate but not high doses of alcohol increase the release of beta-endorphin in the VTA region mediating some of the rewarding effects of alcohol. High doses of alcohol, however, induce sedative and hypnotic effects, and often increase rather than decrease anxiety and depression. The authors, therefore, recommend to stop drinking should the pleasant effects of alcohol not be experienced, otherwise negative effects may appear.
[1] Dzung Anh Le, Ph.D. : Low to moderate, not heavy, drinking releases 'feel-good' endorphins in the brain.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-03/ace-ltm031209.php
[2] NCADI: Naltrexone and Alcoholism Treatment
http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/govpubs/BKD268/28c.aspx
20.03.2009: Cadbury and Mars failed to remove questionable colours from some confectionaries [1]
The Food Commission’s Action on Additives campaign criticises Cadbury and Mars for failing to fulfil promises to remove certain artificial food colours from products by the end of 2008.
According to the Southampton study [2] six food colours were found to increase hyperactivity in children when used in combination with preservative sodium benzoate:
- E102 Tartrazine
- E104 Quinoline Yellow
- E110 Sunset Yellow
- E122 Carmoisine
- E124 Ponceau 4R
- E129 Allura Red
Government Ministers have agreed with the Food Standard Agency's (FSA) proposal for a voluntary ban on the six food colours linked to an increased risk of hyperactivity in children.
[1] The Food Magazine: Press release from The Food Commission's Action on Additives Campaign
Cadbury and Mars break promises on colours 19.03.2009
http://www.foodmagazine.org.uk/press/broken_promises/
[2] Prof Jim Stevenson et al: Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet, Volume 370, Issue 9598, Pages 1560 - 1567, 3 November 2007 doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61306-
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673607613063/abstract
[3] Action on Aditives: Ministers accept proposed FSA voluntary ban on six suspect food colours. 12th Nov 2008
http://www.actiononadditives.com/Media/ministers_accept_FSA_ban/
20.03.2009: Biodiesel byproduct as omega-3 EPA fortified food [1]
In three to four years foods omega-3 fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) fortified using byproduct of biodiesel will be on market depending on process optimization, yield of EPA and FDA approval.
According to Zhiyou Wen and colleagues crude glycerol, one of the major byproducts of the biodiesel industry, added to yeast extract and submitted to the activity of the mould Pythium irregulare may resulte in biomass which is rich in omega-3 fatty acid EPA.
To increase EPA content flaxseed oil and soybean oil was added to the mould culture. The mould elongated the shorter chains of linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, into EPA and other longer chain fatty acids. The authors report a yield of glycerol-derived fungal biomass of 40 per cent carbohydrate, 15 per cent lipid, and 36 per cent protein.
The authors conclude that biodiesel-derived crude glycerol may be used for the production of EPA fortified food or feed using the mould Pythium irregulare, however, yields are low, compared with other procedure using microalgae, such as diatom.
The mould Pythium irregulare is a plant pathogen [2]
Pythium irregulare root rot and blackleg of geranium is a mefenoxam insensitivity re-emerging disease. The fungus is also commonly isolated from poinsettia, chrysanthemum, snapdragon, impatiens, and lavender. It is also known as downy mildew. Blight, damping off, root and other rots.
[1] Athalye, Sneha K.; Garcia, Rafael A; Wen, Zhiyou: Use of Biodiesel-Derived Crude Glycerol for Producing Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) by the Fungus Pythium irregulare. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 6 March 2009, doi: 10.1021/jf803922w
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf803922w
[2] Pensilvania Department of Agriculture: Mefenoxam-insensitive Pythium Irregulare Root Rot and Blackleg of Geranium.
http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?q=128033
19.03.2009: Body Clock linked by enzyme pathway to Metabolism [1] [2]
The circadian rhythms is the body's clock which regulates energy levels in cells. It is linked with the body's day-night patterns and metabolism, and ensure that cells function properly and remain healthy. These findings open the pathway to new treatments for diseases caused by cell energy deficiencies.
Circadian rhythms of 24 hours govern physiological functions all over the organism. According to Sassone-Corsi, Professor at the University of California, disruption of these rhythms can profoundly influence human health and has been linked to obesity, diabetes, insomnia, depression, coronary heart diseases and cancer.
The researchers found that CLOCK, an essential molecular gear of the circadian machinery interacts with a protein, SIRT1, which senses cell energy levels and modulates aging and metabolism. The link between the circadian clock and metabolism is maintained by metabolic proteins which send signals called the NAD+ salvage pathway where NAMPT helps to control CLOCK levels, If balance of this pathway is disrupted cells cannot function properly.
Sassone-Corsi and colleagues found that the core circadian regulator, CLOCK, is a histone acetyltransferase whose activity is counterbalanced by the NAD(+)-dependent histone deacetylase SIRT1. Proper sleep and diet may help maintain or rebuild the balance between CLOCK and SIRT1 and the NAD+ salvage pathway. Lack of rest or disruption of normal sleep patterns can also increase hunger, leading to obesity-related illnesses and accelerated ageing.
[1] Tom Vasich: Circadian rhythm-metabolism link discovered. University of California. News 2008-07-24.
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/article/18273
[2] Nakahata Y, Sahar S, Astarita G, Kaluzova M, Sassone-Corsi P: Circadian Control of the NAD+ Salvage Pathway by CLOCK-SIRT1. Science. 2009 Mar 12.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19286518
19.03.2009: Recommendations to eat more fish or take fish oil capsules should be avoided [1]
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, advices to increase intake of fatty fish and the actual intake of 100 mg/d of omega-3 fish oils up to 1000 mg (2 servings of oily fish) per week for prevention of chronic disease. Amounts of 250 mg/d to as high as 1000 mg/d are suggested for secondary prevention of coronary artery disease, and amounts of 2000-4000 mg/d are recommended for the management of elevated triglyceride levels.
Jenkins, however, stresses that evidence for health benefits from eating more servings of oily fish is not conclusive, and must should to be seen to increase worldwide depletion of fish stocks.
The authors recommend not to propagate increase of intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids through fish consumption until alternative sources of omega-3 fatty acids from plants, algae, or yeast become more available. Evidences of benefits of fish oil for primary prevention of CVD cannot be supported for peoples eating a healthy lifestyle, eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising, and having a healthy body weight. Increasing demand of fish are depleting the fish population. Aquaculture increase the problem, because these fishes are fed with fish meal.
The American Heart Association (AHA), according to Dr. Penny M. Kris-Etherton, still stands by its recommendation to consume two servings of fatty fish fish per week to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Meta-analyses and individual trials are divided about the value of fish oils for prevention of CAD, the authors write. The Prevenzione trial reported a 15% benefit in a four-way analysis for a combined outcome of all-cause mortality, nonfatal miocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke. documented benefits that included a 45% reduction in sudden death. Heart and brain benefits from omega-3 fatty-acid consumption reports include a decrease in age-related memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. [2] However, the DART-2 showed that men with angina who were advised to consume fish oil had an increased risk of cardiac death.
Diet and Angina Randomized Trial ( DART )and DART 2 Trial [3]
Burr and colleagues found in successive trials (DART) and (DART 2) conflicting results examining the effect of an increased intake of fatty fish, or the use of fish oil supplements, in reducing mortality in men with heart disease. The Diet and Reinfarction Trial (DART) [4] was conducted in men recovering from acute myocardial infarction. Taking fish oil capsules or eating fatty fish reduced mortality by 29%.
The Diet and Angina Randomized Trial (DART 2) [5] found that eating fatty fish or taking fish oil capsules did not reduce mortality, and increased the risk of cardiac and sudden death in men with angina. Burr and colleagues suggest that different results of both trials are due to different actions of n-3 fatty acids in acute and chronic conditions, together with different effects of eating fish and taking fish oil capsules.
[1] Jenkins,David J.A.; Sievenpiper, John L.; Pauly, Daniel; Sumaila Rashid, Ussif; Kendall, Cyril W.C.; Mowat, Farley M.: Are dietary recommendations for the use of fish oils sustainable? CMAJ 2009; 180:633-637.
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/180/6/633
[2] Jialal, I.; Devaraj, S.; Huet, B.A.;Traber, Maret: GISSI-Prevenzione Trial. The Lancet, Volume 354, Issue 9189, Page 1554, 30 October 1999 doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(99)90191-5
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(99)90191-5/fulltext
[3] Burr ML, Dunstan FD, George CH.: Is fish oil good or bad for heart disease? Two trials with apparently conflicting results. J Membr Biol. 2005 Jul;206(2):155-63.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16456725
[4] Burr ML, Fehily AM, Gilbert JF, Rogers S, Holliday RM, Sweetnam PM, Elwood PC & Deadman NM (1989): Effects of changes in fat, fish, and fibre intakes on death and myocardial reinfarction: diet and reinfarction trial (DART). Lancet 2, 757–761.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2571009
[5] Burr ML, Ashfield-Watt PAL, Dunstan FDJ, Fehily AM, Breay P, Ashton T, Zotos PC, Haboubi NAA & Elwood PC (2003): Lack of benefit of dietary advice to men with angina: results of a controlled trial. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 57, 193–200.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12571649
06.03.2009 German marketing procedures under scrutiny
Central Agrarian Marketing Association (CMA) will be closed [1]
The Central Marketing Association of the German Agrarian Economy (CMA) employed 150 advertising specialists. It will be closed following the verdict of the highest German Court which declared the association not to be compliant with the German constitution.
CMA was an association which raised duties on all activities of agrarian businesses. These duties were used to advertise in the media to promote German products. Producers from abroad were found to carry the German quality CMA label, thus making competition to the German farmer who had payed for the quality label. Sexist marketing actions of CMA had been criticised by German farmers as inappropriate and ineffective.
Foodwatch Germany unveils faulty marketing claims [2] [3]
The German Foodwatch unveiled claims on packages and says they are marketing humbug. Products under scrutiny were well-known brands.
Eckes-Granini with its “Frucht Tiger ” labelled as “healthy thirst quencher” was blamed by foodwatch to contain the controversial Aspartam and citic acid (E330) the later connected with tooth decay. The claim was cancel on the label but at the product homepage of Eckes Grainini it states that drink is a thirst quench for every day, leaving every dentist speechless, says foodwatch.
The Joghurt drink Actimel was also scrutinised by Foodwatch for its high content of sugar and its price which is four fold compared with normal yoghurt.
Bertolli Pesto Verde from Unilever claims to be a ”Classic according Italian recipe”. Foodwatch criticises that sunflower oil was used instead of olive oil and cashew kernels and only small amount of original pine nuts are used.
Bauer with its “Biene Maya ” has a children friendly attractive promotion. Foodwatch says it contains 44 sugar cubes in one litre drink yoghurt. One litre Cola with 28 sugar cubes is a diet product compared with the sugar giant Biene Maya from Bauer, says foodwatch.
Gourmet cake from Bahlsen claim s to contain contain ”exceptional combination delicate ingredients”. Foodwatch says it contains additives, aroma and eggs from battery-cage hens.
All claims and labels meet the German food law but not the expectation and the needs of the consumer.
[1] Spiegel Online Agrar-Marketing: CMA wird endgueltig abgewickelt
http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/0,1518,611695,00.html
[2]SpiegelOnline: Kuer der frechsten Werbeluege: Wie ein "gesunder Durstloescher" aus der Reklame verschwand Spiegel. 04.03.2009
http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/0,1518,610850,00.html
[3] Foodwatch: Die Wahl der dreisten Werbeluegen.
http://www.abgespeist.de/der_goldene_windbeutel/abstimmen/index_ger.html